Episode 16: Isaac Kassab the Co founder of Pearl Talent

Building High-Performing Healthcare Teams with Isaac KassabDiscover how Pearl Talent is transforming healthcare hiring across borders and why talent strategy is crucial for scaling digital health companies. Join Norm Volsky as he interviews Isaac Kassab, co-founder of Pearl Talent, on building resilient, high-quality remote teams that accelerate growth and improve care delivery. "There are brilliant people overseas." In this episode, you'll learn:🌍 How Pearl Talent leverages international micro-communities to hire phenomenal healthcare professionals🧠 The key lessons learned from early career team building and hiring abroad🚀 Why talent strategy is as vital as product development in digital health🩺 The unique challenges in healthcare talent acquisition and how to overcome them🤝 Strategies for leaders to build inclusive, effective teams across different geographies⭐ The importance of quality over cost in hiring decision-making🤖 How to incorporate AI and technology into talent management and upskilling🌱 The role of community, culture, and mentorship in scaling healthcare organizations✅ Practical tips for avoiding common hiring mistakes and setting clear expectations📈 Isaac’s insights on leadership evolution as companies growTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Isaac Kassab02:00 - The origins of Pearl Talent and the healthcare hiring challenge05:30 - Why healthcare needs international talent more than any other sector08:45 - Lessons from early career hiring mistakes and insights12:10 - The impact of team quality on company success15:25 - How Pearl builds remote healthcare teams across borders20:00 - Differences in healthcare talent requirements versus other tech sectors24:10 - The importance of culture and community in healthcare hiring28:00 - Navigating challenges unique to digital health talent acquisition32:30 - The pitfalls of outsourcing and building sustainable teams36:50 - How leadership style adapts as organizations scale40:15 - Investing in team well-being, mental health, and personal growth44:00 - The future of Pearl Talent and healthcare talent global markets48:00 - How to connect with Isaac and follow his workResources & Links:Pearl TalentIsaac Kassab on LinkedIn-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-kassab/Book: "High Growth Handbook" by Elad GilFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky sits down with Ardie Sameti, CEO and founder of Scala AI. Ardie shares his journey through healthcare, including his experience at Accolade, and the leadership lessons that shaped his approach to building and scaling companies. The conversation explores the real challenges of scaling healthcare solutions, the importance of building a strong, empowered culture, and how AI is transforming patient engagement and operational intelligence. “AI is the new UI.” Ardie also dives into why trust and transparency are non-negotiable when implementing AI in healthcare—and how founders can maintain balance while building in high-pressure environments, with trust and transparency at the center. Learn this week about making sense of the data and operational intelligence! Subscribe and follow along for more.________________________________________🔑 Takeaways🚀 Ardie's journey in healthcare began with a focus on operational efficiency.🤖 AI's value lies in its ability to provide clarity and actionable insights.🏗️ Building a culture of empowerment and accountability is crucial for success.🔍 Trust and transparency are essential in healthcare AI applications.🧠 Successful AI implementations start with understanding operational problems.💬 Engagement is key to improving patient outcomes in healthcare.🔗 Scala aims to unify fragmented data for better operational intelligence.⚖️ AI should enhance human decision-making, not replace it.🏡 Healthy living and family time are important for maintaining balance in a startup.📈 Learning from challenges is vital for growth and innovation.________________________________________⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges and AI Solutions03:14 Lessons from Accolade: Building a Healthcare Navigation System06:02 Leadership Insights: Empowerment and Culture at Accolade09:15 Challenges in Scaling Operations and Data Fragmentation12:03 Core Principles for Success: Customer Obsession and Operational Clarity15:27 Building Scala: A New Approach to Operational Intelligence18:13 The Future of Scala: Transforming Healthcare Operations21:24 Identifying Ideal Customers for Scala's Solutions24:45 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Cautions27:21 Elevating Healthcare Through Automation29:16 Data-Driven Insights for Operational Efficiency32:15 Enhancing Patient Engagement and Trust36:02 AI's Role in Reducing Cognitive Load36:49 Transparency and Trust in AI Healthcare Solutions39:51 Empowering Care Navigators with AI41:13 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in AI Implementation44:38 Demystifying AI in Healthcare47:19 Balancing Work and Family Life51:32 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky sits down with Donovan Ryckis, Founder & CEO of Ethos Benefits, to break down one of the biggest challenges facing employers today: rising healthcare costs. “We can save 36% on drugs.”  They dive into the hidden forces driving healthcare inflation, why fiduciary responsibility matters more than ever, and how data transparency is reshaping the future of employee benefits. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare, how Ethos Benefits is helping employers take control of their spend, and why education is the missing piece in most healthcare strategies. Talking about other brokers Donovan stresses, “It does not make sense to hire someone to give you advice who refuses to act in your best interest.” Ethos is out to change that- they work purely out of results for the employer directly. If you're an employer, benefits leader, or healthcare innovator—this is a must-watch conversation. “We only want to do our best work.”________________________________________💡 Takeaways📈 Healthcare premiums have risen significantly, impacting both employers and employees.⚖️ The fiduciary standard is crucial for ethical practices in employee benefits.💸 Misaligned incentives in healthcare lead to increased costs for employers.🔍 Data transparency is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.🧠 Employers need to understand their healthcare problem to take action.🤝 Ethos Benefits focuses on working with clients who recognize their healthcare challenges.🚀 Innovative solutions can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs.📚 Education is key to helping employers navigate their healthcare strategies.📊 Measuring success involves tracking various metrics related to healthcare spending.⚠️ The healthcare industry is facing a tipping point due to rising costs and lack of transparency.________________________________________⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ethos Benefits and Healthcare Challenges06:21 The Misalignment of Incentives in Healthcare11:41 Identifying the Right Clients for Ethos Benefits13:41 Fiduciary Standards and Ethical Practices16:40 Innovative Solutions and Data-Driven Decisions21:02 Educating Employers on Healthcare Strategies24:19 Measuring Success in Healthcare Plans25:11 The Evolution of Employer Demand27:11 Enhancing Employee Experience with Better Service31:41 The Challenge of Transparency in Healthcare34:04 Real-World Impact of Transparency and Fiduciary Practices38:48 The Documentary: It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare44:09 Opportunities in Digital Health Solutions48:59 Addressing Waste in Healthcare Spending51:02 Future Plans for Ethos Benefits53:33 Personal Well-being and Stress Management57:16 OutroCheck it all out and be sure to subscribe!Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Ann Lewandowski, a leading healthcare advocate and founder of Equitable Evidence, to unpack the structural challenges driving rising healthcare costs. Anne shares her perspective on fiduciary duty, misaligned incentives, and the lack of transparency in employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation dives into the influence of PBMs, the complexity of drug pricing, and how employers can take a more active role in reducing waste and improving outcomes. Ann also explores the growing role of AI and data analytics in healthcare, while emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and system-wide reform. This episode is a powerful call to action for employers, advisors, and innovators looking to challenge the status quo.  Takeaways ⚖️ Fiduciary duty is critical for protecting employer and employee interests in healthcare. 💸 Misaligned incentives are a root cause of rising healthcare costs. 🔍 Transparency in pricing and contracts is essential for meaningful reform. 💊 PBMs play a significant role in drug pricing complexity and cost inflation. 📊 Data-driven decision making can help identify and eliminate healthcare waste. 🤝 Employers should engage independent advocates to evaluate healthcare strategies. 🏢 Employer-sponsored health plans are a key lever for system-wide change. 🤖 AI has strong potential but must be built on trust and accountability. 🚀 Challenging legacy systems requires collaboration and bold leadership. 🌱 Personal wellness and resilience are important when driving industry changes.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Advocacy 02:10 Personal Journey into Healthcare Advocacy 04:24 Navigating the Healthcare System: A Personal Story 09:32 Understanding Healthcare Decision-Making 15:48 Fiduciary Duty in Healthcare 18:53 Denials and PBM Influence on Coverage 24:41 Understanding Healthcare Costs and Incentives 28:10 The Role of AI in Patient Care 31:56 Building the Healthcare Rebel Alliance 33:00 Challenging Existing Power Structures 38:27 Engaging Employers and Advisors 42:54 Evaluating Digital Health Solutions 45:13 Empowering Employers in Healthcare 46:15 The Importance of Trust in AI 49:28 Personal Well-being and Healthy Living 51:39 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Join us for another amazing episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast where we interview the heaviest hitters in the Digital Health Industry and chat about the future of Digital Health!! This week we sit down with Justin Leader, CEO of BenefitsDNA! He shares insights on transforming employer benefits through transparency, fiduciary accountability, and innovative strategies to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Discover how his punk rock spirit drives systemic change in healthcare decision-making. “Overpayment recoupments happens all the time.” We chat through Misaligned incentives in healthcare, the need for transparency and fiduciary standards and hidden cost drivers that everyone should be thinking about. Let’s take a systemic approach to innovate benefits! Sit down with Justin this week and hear about their incredible work at BenefitsDNA, and more! Takeaways🔍 Transparency in benefits leads to better decision-making.📊 Fiduciary duty requires ongoing oversight, not a one-time check.💸 Hidden fees and shared savings fees inflate costs.🤝 Direct contracting and schedule-based care reduce expenses.🧠 Ego and lack of education hinder benefits decision-makingFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Welcome back for another great week on the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast with your host Norm Volsky, this week we sit down for a fascinating conversation with the wonderful Scilla Andreen, CEO and founder of Impactful Networks. Together we discuss her journey from the film industry to mental health education. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating community and connection, the role of ethical AI in emotional wellness, and the need for empathy in mental health technology. Scilla shares insights on the evolution of her organization, the impact of their programs, and the future goals for making mental health education accessible to all. “We are human beings wired to connect.” The conversation highlights the significance of seeking help, building trust, and the power of community in addressing mental health challenges. Learn how they are transforming mental health education through the power of storytelling!Takeaways🎬 Scilla Andreen emphasizes the importance of storytelling in mental health education. 🌍 Impactful Networks aims to make mental health education accessible and engaging. 🌱 The organization has evolved from film to focus on emotional wellness and resilience. 🤝 Community and connection are vital for mental health support. 🛤️ Sheila's journey reflects the organic evolution of her career into healthcare. 🆘 The need for teaching people to seek help is crucial in mental health. 🤖 Ethical AI can support emotional wellness but should not replace human connection. ⚠️ There are risks associated with mental health technology built without empathy. 📱 Misunderstood trends in digital mental health include the reliance on AI as a therapist. 🎓 Success for Impactful Networks includes raising funds to provide free programs in schools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impactful Networks02:25 Sheila's Journey from Media to Mental Health04:34 The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health08:48 Creating Change Through Community Engagement10:30 Evolving Focus on Mental Health Education17:20 Preventative Approaches to Emotional Wellness19:51 The Role of Storytelling in Behavior Change25:21 Ethical AI and Human Connection25:56 Balancing AI and Human Connection27:11 The Risks of Technology Without Empathy28:16 Misunderstood Trends in Digital Mental Health30:05 The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health33:58 Success Stories and Corporate Impact40:31 Personal Wellness Practices and Mindset47:24 Outro (1).mp4Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Donovan Pyle, founder of Health Compass Consulting, to explore the growing movement of employer-led healthcare reform. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare and explains how hidden costs, misaligned incentives, and outdated consulting models continue to drive unnecessary spending across employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation highlights the need for unbiased, fiduciary-driven consulting and more transparent procurement strategies that empower employers to take control of healthcare costs. Donovan also discusses real-world examples of cost reduction, the evolving digital health vendor landscape, and why employers must rethink how they select benefits partners. This episode offers practical insights into reducing healthcare waste while improving outcomes for employees and organizations alike.  Takeaways 🏢 Employers have significant influence over healthcare costs but often underestimate their power. 💸 Hidden waste and inefficiencies drive a large portion of healthcare spending. ⚖️ Traditional consulting and broker models can contain conflicts of interest. 🔍 Fiduciary, unbiased advice is critical for smarter healthcare decision-making. 📊 Employers need transparent procurement processes for healthcare vendors. 📉 Strategic vendor selection can lead to meaningful healthcare cost reductions. 🚀 Emerging digital health vendors are reshaping the benefits landscape. 📘 Employers benefit from structured playbooks for managing healthcare strategy. 🔄 Reform in healthcare purchasing must be led by employers themselves. 🌱 Personal balance and wellness are essential when advocating for systemic change.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Health Compass Consulting 03:01 Donovan's Journey into Healthcare 06:05 Understanding Employer Influence in Healthcare 08:41 The Need for a New Consulting Model 11:38 Identifying Waste in Healthcare Spending 14:34 The Role of Employers in Healthcare Costs 17:34 Case Studies of Successful Cost Reduction 20:16 Emerging Vendors and Market Changes 23:11 Challenges in Managing Healthcare Costs 25:45 Conflicts of Interest in Traditional Consulting 27:01 Broker Incentives and Objectivity 30:52 The Role of Benefits Consultants 36:11 The Need for a Fiduciary Process 38:29 Creating a Playbook for Employers 42:51 Transforming the Healthcare System 45:09 Optimism for Employer-Led Reform 47:04 Disruption in the Digital Health Industry 48:27 Balancing Work and Advocacy 49:37 Healthy Eating and Family Recipes 50:50 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Mark Mincy, Chief Commercial Officer of USRX, to unpack the complex and often opaque world of pharmacy benefit management. They discuss fiduciary risks, conflicts of interest within traditional PBM models, and the structural incentives that drive up pharmacy costs for employers and employees. Mark shares his career journey in the pharmacy benefits space and explains why transparency, accountability, and independent fiduciary oversight are essential to meaningful reform. The conversation also explores specialty drug cost drivers, high-deductible health plans, legislative shifts, and how employers can take greater control of their pharmacy strategy without relying solely on legacy PBMs.  Takeaways 💊 Pharmacy benefit management is one of the most misunderstood drivers of healthcare costs. ⚖️ Fiduciary risk in pharmacy benefits is growing and requires employer attention. 🏦 Traditional PBM models often contain structural conflicts of interest. 🔍 Transparency is critical for controlling pharmacy spending. 📈 Specialty drug costs are a major contributor to rising employer healthcare expenses. 🏢 Employers can reclaim control by reevaluating vendor relationships. 📜 Legislative reform may reshape the future of pharmacy benefit management. 🔄 Alternative PBM models are gaining traction as cost containment solutions. 💡 Evaluating pharmacy vendors requires deeper scrutiny beyond surface-level pricing guarantees. 🧘‍♂️ Maintaining personal wellbeing is crucial in a high-pressure healthcare industry.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Management 03:02 Mark Mincy's Journey in Pharmacy Benefits 05:51 Understanding the Corruption in PBM Systems 08:40 The Role of Fiduciaries in Pharmacy Benefits 11:41 Challenges in the Current PBM Model 14:28 Legislative Recommendations for Pharmacy Benefits 17:15 Innovative Approaches at USRX Care 19:43 The Conflict of Interest in Pharmacy Benefits 22:01 Strategies for Managing Specialty Drug Costs 23:37 Taking Control of Pharmacy Benefits 25:50 The Impact of High-Deductible Health Plans 27:38 Future of Pharmacy Benefit Management 31:01 Evaluating Pharmacy Benefit Vendors 33:50 The Shift Towards Alternative PBMs 37:36 Navigating Change in Pharmacy Benefits 38:28 Maintaining Personal Well-being in a Stressful Industry 42:16 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Sims Tillirson, founder of Tillirson Consulting Group, about his unexpected entry into employee benefits and how his experience has shaped his approach to consulting, sales, and digital health innovation. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling, building relationships, and continuous coaching. Sims shares his views on what consultants and brokers need, how transparency can unlock progress in healthcare, and why vendors must deliver real ROI to stand out in today’s saturated market. They also explore strategies for cost containment, evolving buyer expectations, and the connection between personal wellness and professional success.  Takeaways 🧠 Sims entered the employee benefits industry by accident but saw its long-term potential. 📚 Continuous learning and coaching are essential for personal and career growth. 📖 Storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust in consulting and sales. 💡 Point solution fatigue is real brokers are looking for clarity, not clutter. 💰 Transparency in healthcare pricing is critical for market transformation. 📦 Vendors must guarantee ROI to earn buyer trust in a crowded landscape. 🧭 The employee experience—not just tech—should be the north star. 📉 Cost containment efforts need to focus on high-impact strategies. 🌐 Innovation can stall without real disruption or accountability. 🏃‍♂️ Community engagement helps reduce stress and maintain balance.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sims Tillirson and His Journey 03:04 Career Path and Lessons Learned 05:51 Transitioning to Consulting and Overcoming Challenges 08:57 Identifying Ideal Clients and Business Adjustments 11:41 Insights from Experience in Employee Benefits 14:44 Challenges in the Employee Benefits Ecosystem 17:42 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare 20:18 Coaching Brokers and Consultants 23:18 Common Challenges for Vendors in Employee Benefits 27:42 Standing Out in a Crowded Market 32:11 Changing Expectations of Brokers and Consultants 36:14 The Importance of Results in Vendor Relationships 38:21 Identifying Promising Vendor Pitches 40:32 Hunger for Stability and Accountability 42:06 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare 44:57 Impact of Incentives on Behavior 46:07 Data-Driven Cost Containment Strategies 48:38 Stalled Innovation and the Need for Disruption 50:31 The Importance of Impact Over Intent 51:35 Personal Strategies for Reducing Stress Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky welcomes Lee Lewis, the Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA). They discuss the pressing issue of rising healthcare costs and the misconceptions that many leaders have about managing healthcare expenses. Lee shares his insights on the three major dogmas that hinder progress in healthcare cost management: the belief that costs are fixed, that saving money equates to harming people, and the notion that efforts to save money are not worth the trouble. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the disconnect between price and quality in healthcare, urging employers to take a proactive approach in managing their health benefits.Takeaways🔥 Healthcare costs aren’t fixed: the belief that “nothing can be done” is one of the biggest barriers to change🚫 Saving money does NOT mean hurting people: better outcomes often come from lower-cost, higher-value care⚠️ Doing nothing is the biggest risk: an 8–10% trend is far more disruptive than thoughtful change🎯 Incentives drive behavior: benefits leaders are punished for one bad call but barely rewarded for massive savings🧠 Employer decisions are rational… just misaligned: fear of disruption outweighs upside without leadership support🔍 Price ≠ quality in healthcare: some of the best outcomes come at the lowest prices🧾 Transparency without steerage can backfire: members may assume higher price means better care🤝 HTA’s power is benchmarking + real-world performance data: RFPs don’t predict outcomes, current results do🧪 Point solutions must earn their seat at the table: 1% impact, 2x+ ROI, clean math, and pay-for-performance only🧙‍♂️ The best point solutions are invisible: show up at the moment of need, solve the problem, then disappear🚪 Primary care is the front door to cost control: whoever controls primary care controls downstream spend🧭 Steer referrals with data:  aligned PCPs + high-value referral pathways can reset system incentives💰 Employers must reward value creators and punish profiteers: otherwise prices will keep rising💊 GLP-1s and specialty drugs are the next battleground: employers want direct purchasing at rational prices🧬 Cell & gene therapies need adult supervision — saying “yes” to any price sets a dangerous precedent👥 The right benefits team can flatten trend: talent + permission + incentives matter more than tools📉 Tie benefits leader comp to CPI:  hit CPI without cost shifting and eliminate constant plan design churn🚀 Healthcare innovation must break the “10% better for 10x cost” rule: real disruption requires order-of-magnitude value🧠 Culture change starts with rejecting bad dogma: flat trend is possible when leaders believe it isChapters00:00 Introduction to Lee Lewis and HTA01:37 The Fight Against Rising Healthcare Costs03:18 Misconceptions in Healthcare Management06:55 Understanding Price vs. Quality in Healthcare11:36 Employer Accountability in Healthcare14:37 The Role of HTA in Healthcare Solutions17:23 Structural Issues in Employer-Sponsored Healthcare20:54 Point Solutions: Successes and Failures31:15 The Importance of Advanced Primary Care35:41 Data Transparency and Performance Measurement46:57 Emerging Demands in Healthcare56:27 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast